Technological Challenges to Developing Advanced Navigation for U.S. Navy Unmanned Undersea Vehicles

Christos Agoros

Abstract:	US Navy requirements identified by SECNAV/CNO/Commandant of the Marine Corp-White Paper-“From tbe Sea” and “DDRdzE Science and Technology Investment Strategy” emphasize the ability to collect intelligence through covert surveillance and Sea Control and Undersea Superiority through force multiplication. Thus, future US Navy Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs) shall play a major role in the ever changing ‘new world order’ that identifies littoral defense as a necessity. This direction reveals a common requirement for an extremely precise navigation capability. UW navigation systems must provide accurate position, velocity and attitude information over long distances and time periods. The sensors typically perform dual functions as navigation sensors, and as guidance and control sensors. The implementation of an extremely precise navigation system on a tactical size UUV will be a formidable task, because of limitations on size, weight, and power usage. Complicating the task are other UUV requirements, e.g., covert operation, high reliability, operation in severe environments, and world-wide operation. Low cost for procurement and maintenance am also major considerations. In order to meet these stringent requirements, the UW must incorporate an advanced navigation sensor system. Two key areas must be addressed for UUV navigation systems, (1) advancement of navigation sensor technology, and (2) integration of sensor data, resulting in a synergistic navigation system.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 49th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1993) June 21 - 23, 1993 Royal Sonesta Hotel Cambridge, MA
Pages:	211 - 216
Cite this article:	Agoros, Christos, "Technological Challenges to Developing Advanced Navigation for U.S. Navy Unmanned Undersea Vehicles," Proceedings of the 49th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1993), Cambridge, MA, June 1993, pp. 211-216.
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